No, you should never tow a car while its transmission is in Park. Doing so can cause severe and expensive damage to your vehicle's transmission. The reason lies in the parking pawl, a small metal pin inside the transmission that locks the output shaft to prevent the wheels from turning. When you tow the car with the drive wheels on the ground, the turning wheels force the transmission output shaft to rotate. Since the parking pawl is engaged, it cannot move, leading to the pin being sheared off or badly damaged. This renders the parking mechanism useless and can require a major transmission repair.
The correct towing procedure depends entirely on your car's drivetrain. For most front-wheel-drive vehicles, the proper method is to tow with the front wheels lifted off the ground, using a flatbed truck or a dolly under the front wheels. For rear-wheel-drive cars, a flatbed is the safest option to avoid any damage. If you must tow with two wheels on the ground, the transmission must be in Neutral, and you should consult your owner's manual for specific instructions, as some models require the driveshaft to be disconnected.
| Drivetrain Type | Safest Towing Method | Risky Method (Potential Outcome) |
|---|
| Front-Wheel Drive (FWD) | Flatbed truck or dolly under front wheels | Towing with rear wheels lifted (Transmission damage) |
| Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD) | Flatbed truck | Towing with front wheels lifted (Transmission damage) |
| All-Wheel Drive (AWD) | Flatbed truck only | Any two-wheel towing (Severe damage to center differential) |
| Automatic Transmission | Neutral (if wheels must be on ground) | Park (Sheared parking pawl) |
| Manual Transmission | Neutral | Park or a gear (Clutch/gear damage) |
If your car is disabled and you need a tow, always call a professional. Inform them of your car's make, model, and drivetrain so they can send the appropriate equipment. The safest rule of thumb is to insist on a flatbed tow truck, which eliminates any risk of drivetrain damage regardless of your vehicle's configuration.
